LOFTY Synonyms: 297 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the adjective 'lofty' contrast with its synonyms?

The words high and tall are common synonyms of lofty . While all three words mean "above the average in height," lofty suggests great or imposing altitude. // lofty mountain peaks

Q: When might 'high' be a better fit than 'lofty'?

The meanings of high and lofty largely overlap; however, high implies marked extension upward and is applied chiefly to things which rise from a base or foundation or are placed at a conspicuous height above a lower level. // a high hill // a high ceiling

Q: When can 'tall' be used instead of 'lofty'?

Although the words tall and lofty have much in common, tall applies to what grows or rises high by comparison with others of its kind and usually implies relative narrowness. // a tall thin man

lofty

adjective

ˈlȯf-tē

Definition of lofty

as in tall

extending to a great distance upward the ever-increasing lofty heights of the world's skyscrapers

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in arrogant

having a feeling of superiority that shows itself in an overbearing attitude she acts all lofty and superior just because she went to an Ivy League college

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in proud

having or displaying feelings of scorn for what is regarded as beneath oneself his lofty attitude toward menial chores really rankles the other camp counselors

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in noble

having, characterized by, or arising from a dignified and generous nature remained true to the cause's lofty ideals, regardless of the changing winds of popular opinion

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in eloquent

very dignified in form, tone, or style the lofty nature of the coronation ceremony

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective lofty contrast with its synonyms?

The words high and tall are common synonyms of lofty. While all three words mean "above the average in height," lofty suggests great or imposing altitude.

lofty mountain peaks

When might high be a better fit than lofty?

The meanings of high and lofty largely overlap; however, high implies marked extension upward and is applied chiefly to things which rise from a base or foundation or are placed at a conspicuous height above a lower level.

a high hill

a high ceiling

When can tall be used instead of lofty?

Although the words tall and lofty have much in common, tall applies to what grows or rises high by comparison with others of its kind and usually implies relative narrowness.

a tall thin man

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of lofty The 849’s performance numbers aren’t far off its predecessor’s lofty figures. — Basem Wasef, Robb Report, 26 Aug. 2026 Simply remove the dynamical classification part of the definition, critics say, and Pluto reverts to its former lofty status! — Mike Brown, Scientific American, 24 Aug. 2026 That lofty rhetoric will now meet reality, demonstrating how much economic pain a nation is willing to face to secure its political sovereignty. — Sara Miller Llana, Christian Science Monitor, 24 Aug. 2026 However, that lofty goal holds up only until personal beliefs collide with reality. — Oline Cogdill, Sun Sentinel, 24 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for lofty

Recent Examples of Synonyms for lofty

Adjective

For a tall adult, the bike could feel more like a very powerful pit bike than a genuine dirt bike.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 26 Aug. 2026
His screen appeal combines a mix of swagger and self-deprecating, and at times evokes (a taller) Joseph Gordon-Levitt.

— Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of tall

Adjective

Each of these decisions laid the groundwork for the war on Iran today, one that started without a clear strategy on the arrogant expectation of a quick victory.

— Alexander Langlois, The Orlando Sentinel, 23 Aug. 2026
The data center industry is only one face of an arrogant oligarchy that people believe now runs Congress, the courts, the White House, state legislatures and local governments.

— Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 22 Aug. 2026

Definition of arrogant

Adjective

Turns out America’s enthusiasm for itself has gone into a bit of a rut—more than 80% of Americans felt proud in 2010, but only 53% feel that way today.

— Jim Edwards, Fortune, 28 Aug. 2026
The New York Film Festival is proud to welcome back Cinephile for our fifth year of NYFF Trivia Night events during the festival at the EBM Amphitheater!

— Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of proud

Adjective

At least that bad-optics outburst, while insubordinate, had something noble at its basis.

— Andrew Baggarly, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026
Villa Celimontana dates to the 16th century, when it was developed as a noble residence on Caelian Hill, one of the seven hills of ancient Rome.

— Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 24 Aug. 2026

Definition of noble

Adjective

This isn’t unusual for the agency; in April, USPS raised prices by 8% due to higher fuel costs.

— Charna Flam, PEOPLE, 26 Aug. 2026
The National Weather Service has issued an extreme heat warning that applies to more than 1 million people in San Diego County, mostly across inland valleys, foothills and mountains where high temperatures will approach or exceed 95 to 114 degrees.

— Gary Robbins, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of high

Adjective

Hermetically sealed tableaux of haughty models daring you to look away from their perfection.

— Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 23 July 2026
All of those have sometimes been used to paint Rodgers in a certain way – usually as aloof or haughty in articles that typically were unflattering.

— Armando Salguero OutKick, FOXNews.com, 21 July 2026

Definition of haughty

Adjective

But there may be little anyone–government or corporate–can do to persuade people to have children amid greater economic uncertainty.

— Angelica Ang, Fortune, 30 Aug. 2026
From travel dresses to a lightweight sweater, here are 14 items from Quince’s Workwear Edit that would look great on you on your next flight, starting at $20.

— Jasmine Gomez, Travel + Leisure, 30 Aug. 2026

Definition of great

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lofts

lofty

log

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“Lofty.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lofty. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of lofty

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